Objective To investigate the relation between astrocytes and synapses around the infarction area（area A） and the roles of the astrocytes on the recovery of motor skill in the experimental rats with cerebral infarction after treatment by Tongxinluo.Method 120 rats were randomly divided into the groups of Tongxinluo

inhibition

saline and control.The motor skill was examined via beam walking test.The changes were observed about astrocytes

synapses

the glial fibrillary acidic protein（GFAP） and synaptophysin in area A on day 5

day 10 and day 15 after the model was made using electron microscope and immunohistochemistry.Results The motor skill scores on day 10 and day 15 were（3.2±0.3） and（5.8±0.9） respectively;AS around the infarction area were（5.7±0.3）/8 000 times vision and（8.4±0.9）/8 000 times vision;synaptic numbers were（11.9±1.1）/8 000 times vision

（15.9±1.3）/8 000 times vision.On day 5 of the occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery

differences in crossbar walk score

AS

synaptic number

GFAP and synaptic element were statistically insignificant（P>0.05）.Scores of Tongxinluo

saline and control groups on day 10 were higher than those on day 5 and day 15 higher than day 10 in crossbar walk score

AS and synaptic number

GFAP

synaptic element.The differences were statistically significant（P<0.05 or P<0.01）.On day 10 and day 15 of the occlusion

the scores of control group and inhibition group were higher than those of Tongxinluo group and saline group in crossbar walk score

AS

synaptic number

GFAP and synaptic element;scores of inhibition group were lower than control group.The differences were statistically significant（P<0.05 or P<0.01）.Conclusion Tongxinluo can induce the increase of astrocyte and synapse in number

motor skill recovery

and function in the rats with cerebral infarction

on which the astrocyte may play an crucial role.